Elderly Woman Faces Child Abuse Charges After Leaving 9-Year-Old in Hot Car While Shopping

A 78-year-old woman from South Carolina is under investigation for child abuse after allegedly leaving a 9-year-old girl and her dog inside a hot car while she shopped at Home Depot. The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, with the temperature reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit outside.

According to Horry County Police Department reports obtained by Law&Crime, officers were called to the Home Depot in Murrells Inlet, located about 15 miles southwest of Myrtle Beach. Upon arrival, they found the girl and dog locked inside a vehicle with no air conditioning running. The child was suffering from heat exhaustion, and her body temperature had risen to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

First responders spent approximately 30 minutes treating the girl for heat-related symptoms before transporting her to the hospital. She was described as drenched in sweat and having difficulty breathing, while also struggling to drink water on her own due to the extreme conditions inside the vehicle. The exact duration of time that June Cooper King left the child unattended is unknown.

King told police she turned off the car's engine before entering the store but did not anticipate any issues arising from leaving the girl and dog in the parked vehicle. However, medical professionals noted severe signs of heat exhaustion upon rescuing the child, emphasizing the dangerous consequences of such actions on a hot day.

The elderly woman is now facing charges related to unlawful conduct toward a child for her negligent behavior. She was taken into custody at the J Reuben Long Detention Center and has since posted a $25,000 bond. Her next court appearance remains undetermined as of yet.

This case highlights the serious risks associated with leaving children unattended in vehicles during hot weather conditions, even for short periods. The incident underscores the importance of awareness regarding heat safety measures to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.